Interpretation seems fluid as do many things these days.  

Our ruling came not from the Feds but at the state level. makes sense to me since shelter is one of the basic needs:  food, water, shelter, sleep.

Evidently it's a State decision Roy Kelley . At this time I am not aware of any restrictions in ND concerning RE.

I saw a post from the chair of Colorado Assn of Realtors yesterday, but open houses are not allowed.   Of course, this could change.

"According to Denver Mayor Hancock, Realtors work in our communities is "essential" to the strength of our economy and we'll being. When a crisis upends life as we know it just know that we are there to keep the American dream alive and well."

Right. Real Estate Sales is NOT an essential business!  Property mgmt, etc is...like here where I am, they are keeping things clean and sanitized and water running, etc. Cuomo was pretty clear on this. For those who feel differently...think again!

It is pretty serious here in NY.  Most are taking it seriously now, but they weren't a week or two ago and still others are being irresponsible and putting lives in danger.

I'm sorry, but we live in a society where we all have an impact on each other.

The #'s are pretty staggering here...and I hope you guys don't face this like we are!  They were orinally predicting that ventilator prob (and bed problem) would reach a critical point by mid May.  Now, as of today, it sounds like Apr 6-13th.

You guys this is serious.

Stay inside. Seriously.  Stay inside.

Soon when normal things happen to people (e.g. car accident, heart attack, there won't be room or people to help them.

By all means do what you can from home.  Be creative with your marketing.

Most likely, our spring market will just occur in the summer which is not the end of world.There will be pent up demand then, and no one will be going away then, so it may be a double market.

You cannot stop people from buying, selling or investing. You can influence how it is done however is my take. Take the purchase of land. It doesnt require people contact to transfer titles or money...

I believe they are letting the states make that decision. Here in AZ real estate has been identified as essential.

Most agents are curtailing their showings and open houses. I personally have informed my clients that we will do extensive research prior to any showings. No more hopping in the car and driving around to 10 houses, just for curiosity.

Real Estate sales are not an essential business during an emergency. I can understand Property management  being essential

I really do not see Real estate sales asan essential business.  Management yes, because tenant could have issues. And I guess there could be a few families that are homeless, that need to find something to live in right now, but that is few and far between.  This crisis is not going to last forever another month or so maybe and then back to business as usual. That all being said, I believe now is the time to touch everyone in your database and see how they are holdingup. Build up relationships, reconnect and build your pipeline for when we come out of this thing.

It is included in our state of Connecticut; have not seen the list of Federal businesses.

It's not an essential business here in CA either. But our state association contacted the Governor yesterday to request a change in status. No showings or open houses currently.

Same in California.  Nevada's AoR fought to make Realtors essential.  Commercial agents are the commercial sector (I've had emails with the FBI about this earlier this year), residential agents aren't really thought of.  However the remainder of RE servies are in the financial sector, so that's logically where we should be.

Won't be any work for escrow, title, lenders, etc. if real estate agents are left in the cold.

VA made no mention of real estate specifically, and I have seen Broker Opens being adversised.

What!!!!

Roy, did you not get your REAL ESTATE AGENT 1st responder kit?

Your broker is dropping the ball.

Hey, because restaurant seating is closed it does not have to mean restaurants are out of business. Same is true with real estate. One window is closed in a house with many windows.

Just be aware, it is your neighbor agent who will throw you under the bus.

Michael Jacobs nailed it.

In our state of IL it is. There are a few states where it is not.

You're the lawyer, who is 1st the Feds or State? 

So many (too many) people choose to leave it "up to interpretation". 

There is no interpretation for people with a brain ... it is crystal clear! 

Well no open houses but still showing homes, doubt that I will get a check from the government and if I do, bet I will have to pay it back.

Cant shelter down without shelter

Each state makes their own regs

Alaska we are deemed essential 

I don't believe it's there, Roy. Here is the reference from Homeland Security.

Roy ~ What businesses are essential doesn't come from the Federal level, but from the Governor of each state and in Virginia he has deemed it essential.  I will say that there are people that need to buy/sell/rent/lease properties; I was showing a home rental to an Australian family that just arrived in the country for a 2 year stint in their Embassy.  Before he can get a drivers license or enroll his children in school (online for the rest of this academic year) he needs a permanent physical address.

For many that may not think real estate is essential, I am guessing that they have already secured their housing...

Look to your state.  VA has deemed it essential.  And honestly, I can't understand why some states think it is not.  What's an employee relocating to another state for a job to do if they can't continue with the purchase of a home?  

In our state our state Realtors assn was quick to suggest that it was essential to the people and economy of the state, and the Governor listened.

No open house or viewing. All homes offers are submitted w/o viewing. The DOM will be higher but most homes have been sold this way before.

Something to ponder, are residential sales really essential?

It is essential to avoid foreclosures and short sales.